Contrary to popular belief, you can indulge on pancake day without totally ruining your diet. Here, we speak to several nutritionists for some simple swaps to make your pancakes that little bit healthier (but still totally delicious) …

1. Keep hanger at bay with protein

Protein pancakes have taken over Instagram, and there's a reason why. Nutritionist Casandra Barns explains:

"Including protein in your meal helps slow down digestion, leaving you feeling more satisfied and fuller for longer. This in turn can help with weight loss, as you're less likely to have as many calories."

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She adds:

"To ensure you're getting your daily dose of protein try a plant based protein powder. They are easy to digest and can be kept low-calorie. They can be used to make smoothies or shakes, and also added to savoury foods such as stews and soups. I recommend Natures Plus."

2. Include cranberries

Not only are they delicious, but cranberries are a great food for our skin and a good source of vitamin C, which our body needs to make collagen (the protein that keeps skin supple and strong). Nutritionist Pippa Campbell says:

"Like other red berry, cranberries are high in polyphenols, which are thought to boost our body's antioxidant defences to help protect skin against premature ageing. They may also have an anti-inflammatory effect, calming skin redness and irritation. Of course, cranberries are also associated with helping to keep urinary tract infections at bay."

3. Flour for thought

Instead of reaching for plain flour this evening, why not opt for a healthier alternative like buckwheat flour instead? Cassandra says:

"Alternatives like organic buckwheat flour (www.clearspring.co.uk) are naturally gluten-free and very nutritious. Like dark chocolate, it's rich in magnesium, known as 'nature's tranquilliser'. It's also a great source of iron, zinc and B vitamins to support energy and your immune system."

4. A sprinkle of cinnamon

If you fancy some savoury pankcakes with warming flavours, add a dash of cinnamon to your pancake mix. Pippa comments:

"Cinnamon has been found to help balance blood sugar. This means it could have benefits for weight control, as we're less likely to crave sugar or overeat if blood sugar levels stay stable. It's also high in protective antioxidants that could help keep our skin looking young as well as protecting other organs and tissues in our body. And it can also stimulate and support digestion, helping to prevent bloating."

5. Swap chocolate for cacao

"Raw cacao is high in flavanols – plant compounds associated with antioxidant activity. The flavanols in cacao are thought to help improve circulation to the heart, and may reduce risk of heart disease by helping to lower blood pressure, reduce inflammation, reduce blood stickiness and even improve cholesterol levels!"

She adds:

"Flavanol levels can be greatly reduced when cacao is roasted to make conventional chocolate. Cacao is also rich in potassium, which helps to regulate blood pressure, and magnesium, which is vital for muscle function (our heart is our most important muscle!) When choosing chocolate, OMBAR contains smaller amounts of unrefined coconut sugar, providing slow-releasing, sustained energy without the sugar rush."

Research suggests that raw cacao can also have mood-boosting effects. What's not to love?!

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